Wednesday, May 21, 2014

How to Install a Bathroom Mirror without Brackets

It's a big week at the Home Coming house because we finally finished our Master Bathroom! Like, donezo. Finished. I can take a shower in peace, without looking around the room at all of the little things that have yet to be done, and it's beautiful.

I'm taking the rest of this week and early next to share the final few projects we had to finish up the bathroom, then share our final reveal!

Today I'm sharing the first project around our modern bathroom mirror. How to install a bathroom mirror without those tacky brackets.

Through our remodel, it's really helped to have Justin's carpenter experience around. Obviously he's an expert when it comes to things like woodworking, building, framing, etc. But he's even learned things from his co-workers like what type of paint to use for built-in bookshelves (Enamel) and the best kind of painters tape (Intertape is much stickier than blue painters tape!). And for today's purposes, he knew how the professionals hang bathroom mirrors in the multi-million dollar houses.

I've always wanted to see what it was like to be rich. And now with my bathroom mirror, I'm one step closer to their lifestyle.

Or something like that.

We've been living with the mirror propped up on the sink for the past few weeks and it was starting to drive me nuts. I'm a tall girl and had to do squats just to see myself each morning. So while my legs got an awesome workout, I was ready to get this sucker hung.

The steps for this project were relatively simple. Genius Justin took two scrap 2x4"s which he cut to prop the mirror up on. These 2x4s had a dual purpose - to ensure that the mirror would be perfectly level, and to give them something to rest on as the adhesive dried.

He also marked out where the edges of our vanity & sink were so we could very quickly measure from each side to ensure that the mirror was centered. Having these markings handy really helped because once you get the adhesive on the back of the mirror, you have to move quickly.

Next step is to cover the back of the mirror with adhesive. We used Loctite Mirror Adhesive and applied it very liberally, just to be safe. Our bedroom door is just on the other side of this wall, so we wanted this to be extra secure.

Justin then lifted the mirror into place, checked to ensure it was centered over the sink, then we pushed it against the wall, applying a good amount of pressure.

Then, using our Intertape painters tape, we taped off the edges of the mirror as a little extra hold while the adhesive dried. We left the mirror to dry (2x4s and tape in place) for 72 hours. 48 hours is all that's really needed, but we're overachievers.

And here's what it looks like after!

Tomorrow I'll be giving you the DL on how we build that stellar shelf under the mirror.

This is such a nice project! At the very least, you don’t have to worry about the brackets you have to install. Anyway, I think it would be better if you added some frames on the mirror, for an added aesthetic appeal. And that way, every corner of your bathroom would seem occupied and functional. Thanks for sharing!

I just found your diy project that’s really best one ever I seen!! Installing mirror is not easy but you have done it successfully. I am looking mirrors to update my bath & ordered at www.texascustommirrors.com , it’s the time to update my bath.